We might experience time slowing down, speeding up, or as completely irrelevant (Hanin, 2000). Transformation of time distorts our sense of the passage of time while being completely absorbed in the moment.Loss of self-consciousness results in freedom from self-monitoring, which enhances intuitive engagement to help us achieve our goals with aplomb.Sense of control emerges that makes people feel they are unstoppable or like they can achieve anything (Csikszentmihalyi, 1993).Concentration on the task at hand is characterized by focused attention that circumvents external and internal distractions.Action–awareness merging involves total absorption in the here and now such that the activity becomes second nature.Clear goals & unambiguous feedback (often from the activity itself) enable the continuous adjustment of our responses to meet the required demands of the task.When we experience flow, we are actively engaged but not overwhelmed by a challenge (Csikszentmihalyi & Csikszentmihalyi, 1988). Conversely, if a task is too easy, we get bored. As mentioned above, if a challenge is too demanding, we can become disheartened and even anxious. Challenge–skill balance is a powerful contributor to flow.8 Optimal conditions for entering the flow state of mind These dimensions describe the optimal conditions for entering the flow state and its characteristics. ![]() Nakamura and Csikszentmihalyi (2009) went on to explain how the flow state includes eight key dimensions. Flow may be important for cognitive optimization, lifelong education, and the prevention of cognitive decline. Examples include solving puzzles or gardening. (2011) found that older adults experience flow when their cognitive capacity is challenged just enough to engage them fully while avoiding anxiety. Meanwhile, Mills and Fullagar (2008) investigated student engagement in learning and found that highly motivated learners experienced higher levels of flow.įlow is also important for healthy aging. While research has primarily focused on the experience of flow within structured activities such as sports, education, and creative pursuits (Nakamura & Csikszentmihalyi, 2005), flow also contributes to a sense of wellbeing in other areas of life.įor example, Fritz and Avsec (2007) investigated the relationship between experiences of flow in music students and found that flow was an important predictor of subjective emotional wellbeing. Several respondents described a “current” (or flow) that carried them along effortlessly during the activity. ![]() ![]() Their study reported that participants shared a similar subjective experience they enjoyed so much that they were willing to go to great lengths to experience it again (Nakamura & Csikszentmihalyi, 2005). In 2005, Nakamura and Csikszentmihalyi interviewed rock climbers, chess players, athletes, and artists to investigate why people choose to perform time-consuming challenging tasks that offer no extrinsic rewards. ![]() Any activity that requires high motivation and concentration to enhance enjoyment can facilitate the subjective experience of flow (Bonaiuto et al., 2016). Both boredom and anxiety are barriers to flow. If the task is too easy, apathy and boredom can set in, but if the task is too difficult, anxiety can arise. The flow state is achieved when a person’s capacities are challenged by trying to meet a cherished goal. Mindfulness, on the other hand, does not require focused engagement in an activity. However, the defining feature of a flow state of mind is intense experiential involvement in an activity that requires personal effort and skill (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). It has similarities with mindfulness because it requires focus in the present moment. The vast amount of research built on his work has explored how the brain changes when entering a flow state in a way that minimizes distraction, maximizes productivity and performance, and eliminates procrastination.Ī flow state of mind spontaneously arises when we become immersed in an activity so completely that we lose track of time. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi was one of the founding fathers of the positive psychology movement and popularized the concept of the flow state (Csikszentmihalyi & Csikszentmihalyi, 1988).
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